Difference between revisions of "Valco"

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In 1957, George Gregory was vice-president and general manager of Valley Aluminum (see 1957 article below). This may be the George W. Gregory who founded [http://www.gregorboats.com/ Gregor Boats] which is still in business and producing welded aluminum boats. Valco was known for its riveted aluminum boats.
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In 1957, George Gregory was vice-president and general manager of Valley Aluminum (see 1957 article below). This may be the George W. Gregory who founded [http://www.gregorboats.com/ Gregor Boats] in 1964 and is still in business and producing welded aluminum boats. Valco began boat production with riveted aluminum boats.
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In 1958, Valco moved into a new 12,000 sq. ft concrete block building at 5733 Shields, Ave., Fresno, California (July 1958 Sea and Pacific Motorboat magazine).
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For the 1961 Chicago Boat Show, Valco showed a welded aluminum catamaran (see photo below).  A prototype in 1961, it originated with [[Kaiser Aluminum|Kaiser Aluminum's Department of Industrial Design]] who conceived and designed the boat along with the [[Cherokee|McKenzie Boat Co.]] KX-919-1, an all-aluminum sterndrive prototype boat.  Carl W. Leveau was Kaiser's marine industry sales manager at the time and responsible for the display at the Chicago Boat Show. The catamaran was tested at speeds over 50 mph. It had a 8-ft beam, 32" freeboard, and 21" transom height. It reportedly was considered for production because of a positive reception at the show (May 1961 Modern Metals magazine).  
  
  
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'''1957 Information'''
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'''1955 Information'''
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
File:Valcoa55001.jpg|1955 Valco ad
 
File:Valcoa55001.jpg|1955 Valco ad
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File:Valcoa57001.jpg|1957 Valco magazine article  
 
File:Valcoa57001.jpg|1957 Valco magazine article  
 
File:Valcoarticle57001.jpg|1957 Valco magazine article
 
File:Valcoarticle57001.jpg|1957 Valco magazine article
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</gallery>
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'''1958 Information'''
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<gallery>
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File:Valcoa58001.jpg|1958 Valco 17' Day Cruiser Explorer Ad
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</gallery>
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'''1961 Information'''
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<gallery>
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File:Valcoarticle61001.jpg|1961 Valco prototype welded aluminum catamaran
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</gallery>
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'''1963 Information'''
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<gallery>
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File:Valcoa63001.jpg|1963 Valco 14' Vampire Ad
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  

Latest revision as of 15:36, 25 June 2021

Valcologo57.jpg


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Valco Boats

Division of Valley Aluminum Co.

5733 E. Shields Ave.

Fresno, California


In 1957, George Gregory was vice-president and general manager of Valley Aluminum (see 1957 article below). This may be the George W. Gregory who founded Gregor Boats in 1964 and is still in business and producing welded aluminum boats. Valco began boat production with riveted aluminum boats.


In 1958, Valco moved into a new 12,000 sq. ft concrete block building at 5733 Shields, Ave., Fresno, California (July 1958 Sea and Pacific Motorboat magazine).


For the 1961 Chicago Boat Show, Valco showed a welded aluminum catamaran (see photo below). A prototype in 1961, it originated with Kaiser Aluminum's Department of Industrial Design who conceived and designed the boat along with the McKenzie Boat Co. KX-919-1, an all-aluminum sterndrive prototype boat. Carl W. Leveau was Kaiser's marine industry sales manager at the time and responsible for the display at the Chicago Boat Show. The catamaran was tested at speeds over 50 mph. It had a 8-ft beam, 32" freeboard, and 21" transom height. It reportedly was considered for production because of a positive reception at the show (May 1961 Modern Metals magazine).


Valco also produced jet-propelled fireboats with one in service with the Monterey, California Fire Department starting in 1962. Rudder magazine detailed the Valco fireboats in the January 1964 issue. The magazine reported the Valco Boat was powered with a 215 HP Interceptor engine with a fire pump mounted ahead of the engine, the propulsion jet pump behind the engine. The boat could pump water to put out fires and move as needed. This allowed the boat to maintain position. Buehler Turbocraft advertised a similar fireboat.


Model Information


1955 Information


1957 Information


1958 Information


1961 Information


1963 Information


Valco Boats in Use


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